Introduction
Why do you think interactions matter? From the stone age to the modern digital age, one thing has remained constant; Our ability to interact with each other. Sure over the course the way we interact has changed a lot. A simple interaction must have solved confusion and distress between communities during the stone age. But after layers of complexity, people have discovered innovative ways to interact in their daily lives. These methods of interaction are now helping us to solve numerous problems at daily, industry, and global level.
The innovative step or should we say leap, we are talking about is ‘Spatial Computing’. Experts are calling it an esoteric mode of communication between every living and non living being. Industry promoters are starting to realize that rather than ‘People adopting the technology, the technology needs to adopt us, specifically the way we interact’.
What is Spatial Computing?
Years ago the term spatial computing was coined to describe how machines and computers might interact. It encompassed data visualization and particularly emphasized on utilizing human senses. The ground-breaking synergy between computer vision and UI/UX gave rise to virtual reality, augmented reality, and XR.
Early stages defined spatial computing as humans interacting with machines to manipulate objects and spaces. The machines we are talking about here are wearable computers. Futuristic goggles that overlay information in the real world. It has the ability to create this immersive environment that allows you to visualize and interact with data in a unique way.
The core components involved in building a spatial computing project are divided into common categories.
- Input devices : Trackers and controllers that learn users movement and allow them to interact with the digital assets.
- Processing Units : CPUs are involved in processing data and make real time calculations. GPUs focus on making sure the real time rendering and data visualization is graphically immersive.
- Software and Algorithms : an operating system to manage resources and run applications through the platform. These are unique OS(s) that make all the difference and separate the default app interface from XR based interface.
- Spatial Mapping : Accurate visualization of data in an immersive environment needs spatial mapping. An application needs to perform algorithmic calculations to understand the surrounding and user’s movements.
- Rendering Engines : The final stage is rendering the video and audio that has immersive graphics. It allows the user to experience the information with AR, VR, and XR settings.
- Output Devices : The final product after the rendering needs a medium to be out there for the user.
- The final result focuses on two primary senses of the user, the eyes and ears. The information is directly projected on the user’s eye through head mounted displays or XR based wearables.
- Spatial audio helps to enhance the further development of an immersive environment. When we say that users are fully captivated, we emphasize the ability of XR to create a field of personalized experience, even through audio too.
- A haptic feedback allows users to feel the visuals and connect to it on a deeper level. The feedback feature was widely used by one of the most prestigious console gaming selling companies. Vibrations, atmospheric change, heat waves, and sensations that can construct a user experience.
2024: Spatial Computing’s Mainstream Breakthrough
Our history tells us that we are ready to adapt changes if and only when we are aware of the pros and cons. Any niche or trend in product or service needs to pass through tests and evaluation to become mainstream. Today those tests are influenced by people’s interest, knowledge, and ROI value.
For example, think of the internet, using the internet was a privilege back in the 80s. But now you see that almost every part of the world ‘s internet is available like oxygen. The three factors we discussed above really did have a tremendous impact on the ‘Internet’s Journey’. Similarly Spatial computing is a term that was being evaluated by people, during the end of year 2023. But all this is about to change.
2024 Apple commercialized its own operating system; VisionOS, for its brand new VisionPro glasses. Masses were soon hooked to its ability to provide the best XR experience. But why Apple? Meta launched Quest 2 at a very decent price and before VisionPro was introduced. What’s so special about Apple’s XR futuristic looking goggles?
Well, just like the early stages of the internet, VisionPro has been able to check the pros and cons list of its targeted audience.
- People are interested in what Apple has to offer. Apple is known for triggering people’s interests.
- They gained a significant amount of knowledge regarding the device over the course.
- Lastly, the tech-giant is known for providing quality products and services to its users, even though they are extravagantly expensive.
Statistics
Now before the launches of such immersive technology people were skeptical which areas to invest in. However this has changed during the commercialization of high end AR,VR, and XR devices in 2024.
- In 2024 the projected revenue generated by the AR & VR market is expected to reach US$ 38.6 billion.
- On the other hand there are 1.4 billion active users reported in 2023, but post launch in 2024 another 15.8 billion are expected to join the consumer base.
- Also, 7 out 10 people believe that using AR and VR will completely change the way we interact and fundamentally operate in our daily life.
- However the hardware support is crucial. That is why 36% of users believe 5G will enable immersive technology to overcome difficulties they face in terms of stable, fast, and high-bandwidth networks.
- Talking about AR and VR software, here AR being the largest market segment it will continue to grow and reach a market value of US$ 12.99 billion.
Numbers explain how the commercializing of these immersive tech has profound impact on the market. Although the year has just begun everyone is excited to see what the technology has in the box. What do you think will become mainstream or just be lost in trend dumping ground?
Impact and Applications of Spatial Computing
We believe that the technology has the potential to scale really well with its user demand. The times were different in the past, people needed extensive sources of information to trust a technological breakthrough. Looking at the current crowd, people tend to learn faster and focus on what benefits them the most. We were eager to level ourselves with the AR and VR solutions too. Hence, we explored how spatial computing will impact us and our daily lives.
The Impact
Using spatial computing backed solutions can change the way we play and work. However it will completely change the way we interact. Right from social interactions to how we interact with information, we are set to see a rapidly expanding change.
User Interface
Augmenting information into a virtual space and then superimposing it on the real world will redefine the logic of the user interface. The bridging gap between user experience and a product will completely be blurred. It enhances the way we perform tasks through elevating our user interface. Maybe in the near future we will replace the word interface and start using the word “Expanse”.
Your Personal Space
Personalization is a feature that users enthusiastically support its upgrade. This makes AR VR developers responsible for committing themselves to keep improving. The feature is open to a pool of ideas, just imagine what those ideas and that feature can turn your spaces into. We are talking about completely redesigning your daily space. From becoming a gaming area to a digital work-space, even your bedroom can become a room full of possibilities for you. Anywhere and everywhere you go that space can become your personal space in a single log in.
Social Interactions
Being social is our most interesting quality as a human being. Sure, socializing has become much more than just talking in today’s world. The idea to communicate has now changed into sharing the experience in a plethora of ways. Spatial computing conversely helps the spaces and platforms itself to shift the gear. The two aspects are codependent on each other hence we will witness our way of social interaction reaching a feature-rich heights or phase.
Applications of Spatial Computing in Top 7 Industries
The primary area of focus for spatial computing dwell and proliferate is in the sector of AR and VR development. Its ability to synergize graphical representations and physical movements is set to open counteless avenues for various industries. We have explained one of the many use cases of spatial computing in various industries down below.
Healthcare
- Performing surgeries is one of the toughest jobs out there. Precision, accuracy, and knowledge is your top most priority. An AR VR solution can project the human anatomy in a risk free environment and they can simulate surgical operations. Also all the data collected during the patient’s examination can be overlayed in the room for surgeons to make curriculum decisions promptly. This does increase the probability of success rate without any major setbacks.
- In healthcare you require a higher level of knowledge and understanding of living beings. AR VR training facilities can break that knowledge barrier and eliminate complexity in understanding that one may face.
- Think of what the technology can help achieve in terms of mental well being. AR VR based rehabilitation centers, mood lifting immersive content, modern age mental issues can be addressed efficiently.
Education
- Institutes that genuinely care about the progressive nature of children are already setting up technology integrated institutes. AR VR being one of them, the technology allows students to combine both learning and fun in a smart way.
- Later for higher studies, spatial computing can be leveraged to construct an on-field experience of any field of specialization. Students will gain practical experiences and insights to make informed decisions about their careers. Think of VR and AR museums which have realistics storytelling ability. It makes a huge difference for a child and how they perceive information about the world around them.
- Students are able to break down complex concepts into easier bits to understand them. For example utilizing AR VR to project a 3D data visualization of human DNA. Learning about the artistic methodologies without and experimenting with them without losing too much resources. Simplifying physics which requires the most practical demonstration.
Manufacturing and Engineering
- AR and VR solutions make designing and prototyping convenient for experts. An environment that can be explored to reach even the smallest fabrication of design corner to make a huge difference. Utilizing the technology can impact speed of the process and accuracy too.
- Again AR VR simulations of a particular technology allows engineers to attain perfection easily. On the other hand performing training simulations in a risk free zone allows new employees to gain confidence. The experience and on-hands knowledge makes them confident to perform crucial tasks without stage fear.
Retail and E-commerce
- In retail two of the most important areas of interest, where spatial computing can become early adopters are marketing and sales. Virtual showrooms provide users with a graphically appealing space for them to try their clothing. Such features can allow customers to make proper decisions.
- E-commerce stores can utilize the AR VR features to properly market their products. The more in-depth experience they can give, the more loyalty a brand earns. Imagine you are a consumer gliding around a space full of clothing of a brand. Countless choices but the right way to judge can narrow your choices down and make sure that the purchase you make is satisfying. Interactive marketing is really the next big step for every retail industry.
Real Estate and Architecture
- Utilizing the ability to provide a sense of space for interest and gaining the trust of buyers.
- Virtual walk-throughs or tours that save time, money, and cost for a buyer who needs to explore options before making purchase decisions.
- Architecture can overlay their entirety of the process in the real world allowing them to increase their proficiency.
- An AR VR based collaborative workspace will make a huge difference for firms, impacting their productivity, efficiency and cost.
Entertainment
- Streaming services will be the first adopters, allowing people to fully immerse themselves into content. Sports industry will capitalize on people being able to feel the thrill of their games sitting at home. Theaters will start to reinvent their stages and integrate a cost-effective way of putting their art out in front of the audience.
- Gaming industries are merging their technology with spatial computing to offer AR VR game development services. The result will surely be a massive hit as recently gamers are more invested in discovering innovative ways to gamify their content.
Automotive
- Just like the retail, automotive industry too will adopt spatial computing solutions in two of the most crucial areas; marketing and development.
- Buyers can make prudent decisions if they experience the final product in immersive reality. If they want to dive in deep, they can understand the engineering behind it and that will help them with their decision.
- Designing concepts and performing experiments before launching the final product increases a brands recognition. They can do it cost-effectively, proficiently and in a risk free manner. Just through data visualization in an immersive environment an automotive industry can prosper with stability.
Spatial Computing is Ready for the Long Run
Every technology needs to fall before challenges that might completely obliterate its existence or make it better for its users. Spatial computing too is facing challenges like differences in human perception, its isolation effect, cultural and ethical consideration. Whether a challenge is big or small it doesn’t matter the impact is massive. But it does depend on the technology’s ability to shape itself and provide the users what they demand.
Adhering to doing so will allow the technology to scale, to trigger the interests of people and investors. You see that is why every AR VR development company has begun to capitalize on spatial computing. On its ability to provide user centric and future-refining solutions.
Changing the way we interact with each other and machines might give birth to modern economic models. It can completely revolutionize our lives and spatial computing will be at the forefront, supporting those changes. But that does also mean technology needs to meet us halfway, it needs to adopt our experiences and interactivity.
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